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Syazwan Tips Eagles To Recover

Geylang International vs Balestier Khalsa

(Saturday, 4 March, 7.30pm, Bedok Stadium)

Written by: Shawn Lim

Geylang International goalkeeper Syazwan Buhari has issued a rallying cry to his teammates ahead of their next Great Eastern-Hyundai S.League match against Balestier Khalsa at the Bedok Stadium on Saturday night.

Despite falling 2-0 to Hougang United in their opening game, they played well for most part of the match but were let down by their attack who squandered numerous chances to find the back of the net.

Agreeing with head coach Hasrin Jailani’s assessment of the team’s performance after the game, Syazwan added it is crucial for the team to be clinical in front of goal.

“Every game we will look into something that we can improve and looking ahead I think we can try to make better use of the chance we had in the game by converting them into goals,” said the 24-year-old.

“At the same time, we have to tighten our defence and try to keep as many clean sheets. Like coach Hasrin mentioned, we did alright defensively apart from the two goals conceded.”

While Victor Coto made his debut against the Cheetahs, the Eagles’ other foreign signing Ricardo Sendra missed out due to a back injury.

Although Coto put in a good shift and had several attempts on goal, he was unable to get his name on the scoresheet. However, his performance was enough to convince Syazwan that there is more to come from the Costa Rican.

“Coto did extremely well. He is a tireless worker and he worked his socks off during the game attackingly and defensively,” said Syazwan.

“It was unlucky he couldn’t get a goal that night, but with the quality he has, I believe goals will come for him very soon.”

As the Eagles turn their attentions to their next opponents, Syazwan is wary of the threat the Tigers can pose with the addition of their new Myanmarese players.

The trio of Aung Kyaw Naing, Kyaw Zayar Win and Nanda Linn Kyaw Chit were all handed debuts in Balestier’s 2-1 loss to Warriors FC in their opening game. Although they had a decent outing, they were unfortunate not to come away with anything from that encounter.

“They are a youthful team and everyone know they are a strong side this season with the addition of their foreign players, who are very fast players,” noted Syazwan.

“It will be an interesting game and I hope we can collect our first three points of the season.”